Rathdrum Prairie News: Exercise civic duty and vote

The calendar says it’s October, and changing leaves outside our windows are showing their fall colors. But before we start putting up our Halloween decorations, or making those preparations for Thanksgiving, now is the time to give some thought to Election Day, Nov. 6.

According to Deedie Beard, Kootenai County elections supervisor, a dismal 21.42 percent of Kootenai County registered voters took time to vote during the last municipal election in 2005. That is a statistic we need to improve.

A 2006 survey conducted for the Associated Press found that roughly 35 percent of the adult population votes regularly. These voters are interested in local politics and see voting as a civic duty. The study found another 20 percent of adults vote occasionally, while an additional quarter rarely vote. Nearly 22 percent of qualified American adults don’t even bother to register.

Those who vote irregularly or not at all had many excuses for not participating. They said they don’t have enough knowledge about candidates and issues; they are bored with the whole thing; they have problems getting to the polls; or are just too busy.

Why vote?

In fact, voting is your civic duty – one of the few things you are asked to do as an American. When you vote, you are expressing an opinion, and taking an active part in guiding and changing the world you live in; determining how things are done in your city, your state, and your nation. Your vote does make a difference. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Those who stay away from the election think that one vote will do no good: ‘Tis but one step more to think one vote will do no harm.”

Who can vote?

Qualified voters must be United States citizens; 18 years of age by Election Day; and a legal resident of Idaho, and the county or city in which they reside, for 30 days before the election.

How do I register?

Oct. 12 was the last day to register to vote before Election Day, but there is still time to register as a mail-in absentee voter, or vote in-person by absentee ballot.

Any registered voter may vote absentee by requesting in writing an application from the city clerk, or the county Elections Office.

October 31 is the deadline to request mail-in absentee ballots.

Voters may vote by in-person absentee vote at specified polling places through Nov. 5.

Mail-in absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Nov. 6.

For more information, contact your city clerk or the county Elections Office.

Where do I vote?

Find your polling place by checking out the precinct map on the county Web site, or contacting your city clerk. All city elections are open from 8 a.m. or noon until 8 p.m.

Candidate forums

Many communities hold candidate forums prior to the election. Be sure to inquire about a forum in your city. The Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce will host forum at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Commons Area at Lakeland High School. The Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce will hold a forum at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at Spirit Lake Books and Coffee.

Even if you do not live inside a city’s boundaries, you may still need to vote. Fire protection districts hold their elections at this time as well. Check out the sample ballots on the county’s Web site or call the County Elections Office.